PDF file - Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement

Faith as a Gift to Develop August 29
Looking to Christ’s Joy
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a
cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth
so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before
us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews
12:1, 2).
Those who look within for comfort will become weary and disappointed.
A sense of our weakness and unworthiness should lead us
with humility of heart to plead the atoning sacrifice of Christ. As we
rely upon His merits we shall find rest and peace and joy. He saves to
the uttermost all who come unto God by Him.
We need to trust in Jesus daily, hourly. He has promised that as
our day is, our strength shall be. By His grace we may bear all the burdens
of the present and perform its duties. But many are weighed
down by the anticipation of future troubles. They are constantly seeking
to bring tomorrow’s burdens into today. Thus a large share of all
their trials are imaginary. For these, Jesus has made no provision. He
promises grace only for the day. He bids us not to burden ourselves
with the cares and troubles of tomorrow. . . .
The habit of brooding over anticipated evils is unwise and
unchristian. In thus doing we fail to enjoy the blessings and to
improve the opportunities of the present. The Lord requires us to perform
the duties of today and to endure its trials. We are today to
watch that we offend not in word or deed. We must today praise and
honor God. By the exercise of living faith today we are to conquer the
enemy. We must today seek God and be determined that we will not
rest satisfied without His presence. We should watch and work and
pray as though this were the last day that would be granted us. How
intensely earnest, then, would be our life. How closely would we follow
Jesus in all our words and deeds. 61
The joy set before Christ, which sustained Him in all His sufferings,
was the salvation of poor sinners. This should be our joy and the
spur of our ambition. 62
249